1.Role and Mechanism of Cucurbitacin B in Suppressing Proliferation of Breast Cancer 4T1 Cells via Inducing Ferroptosis
Yidan RUAN ; Huizhong ZHANG ; Huating HUANG ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Aina YAO ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Xiaohan XU ; Shiman LI ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):91-97
ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B (CuB) in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB(0.2, 0.4, 0.8 μmol·L-1)on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay, and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SCL7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). In addition, compared with that in the blank group, the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups (P<0.01). The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled, and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group, the protein expression of p53, ACSL4, and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups (P<0.05), and that of SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53, which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe3+ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage, resulting in an elevated free Fe2+ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction, generates excess ROS, imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism, and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.
2.Role and Mechanism of Cucurbitacin B in Suppressing Proliferation of Breast Cancer 4T1 Cells via Inducing Ferroptosis
Yidan RUAN ; Huizhong ZHANG ; Huating HUANG ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Aina YAO ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Xiaohan XU ; Shiman LI ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):91-97
ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B (CuB) in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB(0.2, 0.4, 0.8 μmol·L-1)on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay, and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SCL7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). In addition, compared with that in the blank group, the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups (P<0.01). The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled, and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group, the protein expression of p53, ACSL4, and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups (P<0.05), and that of SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53, which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe3+ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage, resulting in an elevated free Fe2+ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction, generates excess ROS, imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism, and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.
3.Ideas of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Pancreatic Endocrine and Exocrine Co-Morbidities from the Attributes of Zang-Fu Organs of Pancreas
Yulin LENG ; Jiacheng YIN ; Xianglong LI ; Jiahong ZHANG ; Yi SU ; Hong GAO ; Chunguang XIE ; Xiaoxu FU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):145-149
Based on advancements in modern medical research regarding the intricate connection between the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas, as well as the relationship between pancreatic functions and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) spleen system, this paper discussed the categorization of the pancreas. It is proposed that the pancreas is neither a true zang organ nor a fu organ, but possessed the attributes of an extraordinary fu-organ and can be classified under the spleen. The spleen governs transportation and transformation, ascent of the clear and dispersion of essence, which encompasses the endocrine and exocrine functions, and pancreatic enzymes and glucose-regulating hormones form the material basis for the spleen's function of dispersing essence. Diseases of the pancreas exhibit characteristics of both zang-organ deficiency and fu-organ excess, so treatment should simultaneously supplement zang-organ disease and regulate fu-organ disease when pancreas showing endocrine and exocrine co-morbidities, with focus on restoring the pancreas (spleen)'s dispersing essence function. Therapeutic strategies include supplementing spleen qi, nourishing spleen yin to strengthen spleen earth, unblocking spleen collaterals, raising spleen yang, and removing spleen turbidity to support the spleen's dispersing essence function, so as to replenish the essential qi of zang-fu organs, ensure their distribution throughout the body, and improve the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas.
4.HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of hydroxyphenyl esters and quaternary ammonium bacteriostatic agents in eye drops
Jin GAO ; Dan HU ; Yi BAO ; Xiaocui YU ; Zexin WANG ; Jing LIU ; Guiying ZHANG ; Yingying ZHAO ; Zhenyu CAO ; Chunpu LI ; Xiaoxu HONG
Drug Standards of China 2024;25(3):234-243
Objective:To establish a general method for the simultaneous determination of hydroxyphenyl esters and quaternary ammonium bacteriostatic agents in eye drops.Methods:The chromatographic analysis was per-formed on an Agilent C18 column(4.6 mm ×250 mm,5 μm)with 1%triethylamine solution(pH adjusted to 5.0 with phosphoric acid)as mobile phase A and methanol as mobile phase B.Gradient elution was performed at col-umn temperature of 40 ℃.The detection wavelength was 214 nm,the flow rate was 1 mL·min-1,and the injec-tion volume was 20 μL.Results:Methylparaben,ethylparaben,propylparaben,butylparaben,benzalkonium chlo-ride and benzalkonium bromide were 0.11-559.0,0.10-513.0,0.10-258.8,0.11-270.5,1.07-537.0 and 1.03-512.8 μg·mL-1,respectively.The linear range was good(r>0.999).The average recoveries of meth-ylparaben,benzalkonium bromide and benzalkonium chloride were 104.7%(RSD=1.3%),102.6%(RSD=1.1%)and 100.9%(RSD=1.1%),respectively.The contents of bacteriostatic agent in 100 batches of eye drops from 36 varieties of 12 enterprises were determined,and the accurate results were obtained.Conclusion:This meth-od provides a reference for the content quality control and safety evaluation of bacteriostatic agents in eye drops.
5.Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibit macrophage M1 polarization
Xiaoxu WANG ; Chaoran LI ; Hui WANG ; Chunjuan YANG ; Fengxia LIU ; Donghua XU
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(4):673-679
Objective:To explore effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)on macrophage M1/M2 polarization.Methods:hUC-MSCs were co-cultured with pTHP-1 cells which were macrophage-like cells induced by PMA and tran-scriptome sequencing data were analyzed.Differentially expressed genes were screened and analyzed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.Effect of hUC-MSCs on pTHP-1 cells proliferation was analyzed by cell proliferation assay(CCK-8 and EdU).Flow cytometry was used to verify influence of hUC-MSCs on relative contents of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in pTHP-1 cells which were interaction with LPS.Effect of hUC-MSCs on M1/M2-related molecular phenotype of pTHP-1 cells was studied by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry.Results:Transcriptome sequencing data analysis showed that M1-related genes TNF-α(P<0.05)and HLA-DRA(P<0.01)decreased to a great extent and M2-related gene ARG1(P<0.05)increased to a great extent in pTHP-1 cells after co-culture with hUC-MSCs,suggesting that hUC-MSCs inhibited macrophage M1 polarization.GO and KEGG analysis showed that these dysregulated genes regulated inflammation and immune response.hUC-MSCs inhibited proliferation of pTHP-1 cells,reduced content of TNF-α and increased content of IL-10(P<0.001).qRT-PCR and flow cytometry showed mRNA expressions of HLA-DRA(P<0.05)and CD68(P<0.01)and CD14+CD11c+M1 macrophage percentage were down-regulated,while mRNA expressions of CD163(P<0.001),CD206(P<0.001)and CD14+CD163+M2 macrophage percentage were significantly up-regulated in pTHP-1 cells after co-culture with hUC-MSCs.Conclusion:hUC-MSCs inhibit macrophage polarization to M1 and promote polariza-tion to M2 in vitro.
6.Association between variation of WFS1 gene and early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese population
Chanwei LIU ; Xiaoxu GE ; Ming LI ; Tiantian LI ; Langen ZHUANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Juan ZHANG ; Yating CHEN ; Fusong JIANG ; Limei LIU
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2024;32(7):481-487
Objective To explore the association between R611H(G/A,rs734312)variation of WFS1 gene and early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 181 Chinese patients with early-onset T2DM(T2DM group)and 196 non-diabetic controls(NC group)were enrolled in this study.The rs734312 variation was detected by PCR-direct sequencing.Genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs734312 and clinical variables were compared and analyzed between the two groups.Results Compared with the NC group,the frequencies of AA genotype and A allele in R611H(G→A)variation were significantly elevated in the early-onset T2DM group,AA vs GA+GG(OR 1.720,95%CI 1.100~2.680,P<0.05).A vs G(OR 1.500,95%CI 1.020~2.220,P<0.05).The remarkable differences of frequencies of genotype and allele in rs734312(G/A)were observed between Asians(China,Japan and Korea)and Caucasians(Denmark,Britain,Spain,France and Russia,P<0.01 for each).Compared with AA genotype,fasting and 2 hours postprandial insulin(FIns and 2 hIns)as well as HOMA-β were significantly rise in GG+GA genotype carriers of early-onset T2DM group(P<0.05).Conclusions The a allele of rs734312 in WFS1 may be a risk factor for early-onset T2DM in Chinese population,and the variation might be a potential genetic marker for predicting the islet β-cell dysfunction in early-onset T2DM in Chinese population.
7.Modified Superior Mesenteric Artery Approach Totally Laparoscopic Radical Resection for Right Colon Cancer
Lishuai XU ; Hao HU ; Cheng YANG ; Qingsheng FU ; Jiawei WANG ; Xu ZHANG ; Xiaoxu HUANG ; Li XU
Chinese Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2024;24(5):334-338
Objective To explore the safety and feasibility of a modified superior mesenteric artery(SMA)approach in totally laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision(CME)and D3 lymphadenectomy for right colon cancer.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data of 77 cases of totally laparoscopic radical surgery for right colon cancer from April 2021 to April 2023.Before August 2022,42 cases underwent traditional SMA approach(control group,only marking with the ileocolic vascular pedicle as the tail of SMA),while after August 2022,35 cases underwent modified SMA approach(modified group,marking with the Treitz's ligament and ileocolic vascular pedicle as the head and tail of SMA,respectively).There was no statistically significant difference in general information between the two groups(P>0.05).The intraoperative conditions,postoperative recovery,and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.Results Compared with the control group,the modified group had a shorter surgical time[(147.3±35.8)min vs.(173.4±29.9)min,t =-3.428,P =0.001].There were no statistically significant differences in the number of lymph node dissection,number of positive lymph nodes,drainage volume,exhaust time,postoperative hospital stay,and incidence of complications between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The modified SMA approach for totally laparoscopic radical resection of right colon cancer shortens the surgical time,reduces the difficulty and risk of surgery,and has high safety and feasibility.
8.A systematic review of two-way referral criteria for diabetes
Min XU ; Xiaoxu GE ; Rui LI ; Liling XU ; Shan HUANG ; Lingmei QIAN ; Jun MA ; Juan DU
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2024;23(12):1299-1306
Objective:To investigate the criteria for two-way referral of diabetes in China through systematic review.Methods:According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, articles on two-way referral criteria for diabetes in China were retrieved from databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI and Wanfang from inception to July 15, 2023. The data were extracted, by author′s name, publish year, criteria for rupwards and downwards referral, sample size, study region, study type and main conclusions.Results:A total of 702 relavent articles were retrieved, and 15 of which were included in the analysis. Blood glucose levels were the basic criteria for two-way referral, The criteria for upward referral included fasting blood glucose, 2-h postpradial blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and random blood glucose, but there were variations in measuement values. The criteria for downward referral included fasting blood glucose, 2-h postpradial blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, with the variation in fasting blood glucose. Lipids and blood pressure were also included in the referral criteria in later literature, with the variation of blood pressure values. There was consensus on the upward referral criteria for patients with special types of diabetes and with newly diagnosed diabetes. In contrast, the referral criteria for diabetic complications were relatively vague, especially with the lack of severity classification for chronic complications.Conclusion:The two-way referral criteria for diabetes mellitus have been constantly developing, while the criteria for downwards referral to the community need to be further improved.
9.Longitudinal natural history study of visual acuity in choroideremia
Xiaoxu HAN ; Dingding ZHANG ; Hui LI ; Xuan ZOU ; Ruifang SUI
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2024;40(5):347-352
Objective:To observe and analyze the rate of visual acuity progression and binocular symmetry in patients with choroideremia (CHM).Methods:A single-center retrospective longitudinal cohort study. From April 2009 to August 2022, 38 eyes of 19 patients diagnosed with CHM through clinical and genetic testing at the Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, were included in this study. All patients underwent at least 2 follow-up visits with a minimum interval of 1 year between visits, and binocular best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) results were recorded at each follow-up visit. Decimal visual acuity was converted into logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for analysis. The patient group consisted of 19 males from 16 unrelated families. The age at initial visit was (39.52±13.24) years, with a (2.63±1.61) follow-up visits over a duration of (4.95±2.68) years. A total of 50 binocular BCVA data were included. Annual progression rate of visual acuity was calculated based on longitudinal and cross-sectional data. Spearman correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman method were used to evaluate the binocular symmetry.Results:The rate of visual acuity progression was (0.095±0.148) logMAR units/year based on longitudinal data and (0.018±0.009) logMAR units/year based on cross-sectional data. The binocular symmetry for BCVA of the baseline values was strong; however, the binocular symmetry of progression rates for BCVA was moderate. Spearman correlation analysis showed that binocular symmetry in baseline BCVA was high ( r=0.881, P<0.001). The symmetry of binocular vision progression rates based on longitudinal data was moderately symmetric ( r=0.528, P=0.020). Bland-Altman analysis showed that 94.7% of binocular baseline BCVA differences were within 95% confidence interval ( CI) of 95% limit difference (LOA), indicating good symmetry of binocular baseline BCVA. The number of binocular BCVA progression rate differences within 95% CI of 95%LOA was 89.5%, suggesting moderate symmetry in binocular BCVA progression rate. The results of Spearman correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis of binocular symmetry were basically consistent. Conclusions:The rate of visual acuity progression of patients with CHM based on longitudinal and cross-sectional data is (0.095±0.148) and (0.018±0.009) logMAR units/year, respectively. Cross-sectional data from patients of different ages should not be used to infer the progression rate of the natural history. Binocular eyes with highly symmetrical baseline visual acuity may differ in the rate of visual acuity progression.
10.Long non-coding RNA H19 regulates the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells through WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway under the stimulation of AGEs
Chao DENG ; Shiyu QIANG ; Yifan MA ; Xiaoxu RUAN ; Yi SUN ; Xuexue LI
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2024;40(6):765-769
Objective:To explore the regulatory effects of long non-coding RNA H19(LncRNA H19)on the osteogenic differentia-tion of MC3T3-E1 cells under the stimulation of advanced glycation end products(AGEs).Methods:MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured under the stimulation of 10 μg/mL AGEs.The cells were observed by alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining after 7 d and alizarin red staining after 21 d culture respectively.Cell transfection technology was used to overexpress LncRNA H19 in the cells,RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of ALP,Runx-2,OCN,SP7 before and after transfection of LncRNA H19.Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of Runx-2 and[3-catenin in the cells.Results:Under the stimulation of AGEs,the ALP stai-ning color of MC3T3-E1 cells became lighter,the formation of calcified nodules was reduced,the mRNA expression levels of ALP,Runx-2,OCN,SP7 and LncRNA H19 were decreased(P<0.05),and the protein expression level of Runx-2 was decreased.After transfection of LncRNA H19(lv-H19),the mRNA expression of LncRNA H19 was significantly up-regulated(P<0.05),the mRNA expression of ALP,Runx-2,OCN and SP7 genes was increased(P<0.05),ALP staining was deeper,and the expression of β-catenin was increased.Conclusion:Under the stimulation of AGEs,LncRNA H19 may affect the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells by activating the expression of WNT/[3-catenin.

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